In terms of designing different rooms in our homes, The kitchen is often the most formulaicThis is because every kitchen is likely to share similar components, and thanks to the functional requirements of the space, these components are often located in similar ways.
But that doesn’t mean all kitchens should look the same. In fact, there is still a lot of room to play around in this area and many of these so-called “rules” are now considered outdated.
With the help of some of our favorite designers, we’ve rounded up some old kitchen design rules that you’re officially free to ignore.
everything must match
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Designers often cite one reason Kitchen and Cabinet Hardware As room ornaments: These are the items in your kitchen that are guaranteed to attract attention. Because of this, they can easily set and change the look of the kitchen.
Like jewelry, the rules of matching have also changed. As designer Steven Graffam explains, it’s no longer interesting to have every fixture and finish matching perfectly. Instead, these elements should compliment each other rather than match perfectly.
“The mix of metals, finishes and textures adds personality and creates a more dynamic, custom look in the kitchen,” says Graffam.
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‘triangle’ rule
The ideal kitchen has a sink, refrigerator, and stove. arranged in a triangular layoutFulfilling the conditions for the triangle rule. But interior designer Paula Hospod says she stays away from this rule in her kitchen designs.
“There are more complexities in the kitchen these days,” Hospod says. “Instead, I prefer to create work areas tailored to specific tasks.”
Often subject to tricky zoning issues or the whims of immovable elements like gas lines, Hospod says she prefers to abandon the triangle concept and design with other functions in mind. This may include a tea and coffee station, a food preparation area, and special storage cabinets.
“These areas reflect how we actually use our kitchens, making them more functional and intuitive for everyday life,” Hospod says.
Open Shelving for Versatile Storage
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In many beautifully designed kitchens, open shelving adds a visual element that allows for eye-catching vignettes. However, designer Benji Lewis says he just sees an opportunity for chaos.
This is because the average homeowner will not be interested in maintaining them for aesthetic purposes.
“Unless you organize shelves carefully and keep them free of dust, you’re bound to lose them,” says Lewis. “They create clutter and look terrible when they’re dirty.”
open plan kitchen
This has been debated for the past few years, but designer John Stivell is here to set the record straight. open plan kitchen Not an ideal setup anymore. In fact, if given the choice, he says a different location is better.
“Although the idea of having the kitchen completely open to the living space sounds great for flow, in practice, it can create challenges with noise and dirt visibility,” says Stivell.
Stiveley explains that separating these two spaces can help with functionality and aesthetics. If you’re looking to open up your space in the name of open plan superiority, maybe take a moment Consider the pros and cons,
perfect symmetry
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Perfect symmetry in a kitchen may seem like the ideal look, but Graffham says that’s not the case. In fact, some contrasts do more than just create visual interest. It can create a more enjoyable space.
“Adopting a more comfortable, organic layout can add character and make the space feel more inviting and functional,” says Grafham.
